Update: WinTOTAL and GPS Integration

Woody Fincham, Research Fellow

As most of you know by now, my pet project is integration of GPS data into WinTOTAL for the purpose of mapping properties that may otherwise be placed incorrectly on location maps. This happens due to the process of geocoding. If you need to come up to speed on the how�s and why�s, please refer to my article on geocoding by clicking here, and the labs project page for GPS integration by clicking here.

Based on some of the feedback and comments (the most of which have been overwhelmingly positive), I thought it a good time to clarify a few things and bring everyone up to speed on the progress that has been made.

First, let�s discuss and bring in to prospective the original intent of this project and resulting integration into the WinTOTAL application. This concept of seamlessly integrating GPS data into WinTOTAL was borne out of a need by appraisers to accurately map properties that otherwise would not be mapped properly using the current process of geocoding. Geocoding uses databases to assign GPS coordinates to existing properties which are then displayed on the WinTOTAL location map as property �tags� overlaying the map.

One problem with geocoding is, when it comes to newer properties and vacant land (anything without a physical street address assigned), many of these properties are not in the geocoding databases of the map providers. As a result, these �new� properties often are placed improperly on the location map. By supplying the software with the GPS data directly and by-passing geocoding�s address to GPS data translation, the property will be mapped accurately each and every time.

Let�s be clear. This tool is not intended to replace geocoding. Most properties are mapped accurately using the current process and we don�t intend to change that. The goal is to provide an alternate, automated method of retrieving raw GPS data (latitude and longitude) from a GPS device and import that data into WinTOTAL�s current mapping Wizard, hence giving the appraiser the choice of using either geocoding or the GPS data they would have already recorded while in the field.

This choice will be on a property by property basis and the default will be Geocoding. As an example: You may choose to let the software geocode comps 1 and 2 but use your GPS data for both the subject and comp 3. The idea is to give the user another option for mapping the properties.

The process is simple really. Using a handheld GPS device ($100-$200), the appraiser would record the GPS coordinates of any property he/she felt might not map properly. You guys know your market. You know the areas where you have this problem. Maybe to be safe your policy is to record the coordinates of every property. These devices are very easy to use. Marking a location and giving it a description takes a matter of seconds. Once you have it, it�s there for you later whether you need it or not.

Once you return to the office, start your report as you normally would. After you are settled on your comps move to the Map Wizard. At this point you are given a choice. On a property by property basis you choose whether WinTOTAL will use the automated process of geocoding or whether the software will look to your GPS device for that property�s coordinates. If you choose the GPS unit, WinTOTAL will communicate with your attached device and pull in the list of coordinates and descriptions you recorded in the field. You will then match a coordinate in the list to a property then move on to the next.

Honestly, you will want to continue to use geocoding for the majority of your properties unless you work primarily in areas of new construction (where you will find this tool invaluable). Geocoding is completely automated, and as a result faster. There�s nothing for you to do but enter an address and the software does the rest. There will be times however, when having access to the raw GPS data will save the day or at least a lot of time trying to get your properties mapped correctly.

Let�s move on to GPS devices, because there a few things we need to clarify there as well. From its original concept, this tool was intended to integrate WinTOTAL with mobile, handheld GPS devices. There is a very good reason for this but first a little background. There are three basic categories of mobile GPS devices.

In-Vehicle: These are integrated, usually factory installed systems. They provide turn by turn directions to your destination as well as information and sometimes even traffic and weather in real time. Many even control other vehicle functions such as HVAC and audio. They have relatively large screens and are clean and neatly integrated but can be quite expensive, cumbersome to operate and, if they malfunction, can even render your vehicle out of service. Having said that, I have one myself and I love it. Of course, I�m a bit of a geek.

Mobile GPS (Tom-Tom, etc): These units are a variation of the in-vehicle systems but are not integrated. They can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and work just as well on a bicycle or boat as they do in an automobile. They are easy to use and inexpensive compared to integrated systems and like their factory installed cousins, they provide turn by turn directions and regional information. Their screens are small and they are not as neat as a factory install with exposed cables and power cords but portability and low upfront costs offset that for many buyers. The latest trend is to integrate these devices in to PDA�s and even cell phones.

Portable, handheld GPS units: These are the originals. I have one of these that is approximately 10 years old and it still works great. Mine has a black and white display and only provides GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) although most newer units possess mapping capabilities as well. They are intended for outdoor activities such as boating and hiking and, as such, don�t provide turn by turn directions as much as location maps with terrain, elevation, etc. Some are simple black and white screens while others are full color. These are by far the least expensive of the three. A basic unit can be purchased for approximately $100. They are also the smallest and most portable as they all use disposable or rechargeable batteries for power. The downside is the lack of turn by turn directions. If you need that function, you will need to purchase a very high-end unit or buy a separate mobile GPS.

As I said earlier, the original concept was to build a simple GPS integrated Map Wizard using data from the last category of devices, the handheld GPS. That is still the intent and the reason is simple: there is no other way to do it. It is simply not possible to pull latitude and longitude data from the first two categories of devices. That�s a blanket statement and there may be a few exceptions, but the simple fact is although the �turnby-turn� units use GPS data to display your location and intended destination, that data isn�t accessible to the user or even a programmer. It�s hidden and not even displayed in most cases and even if you can see it, it can�t be exported out of the unit.

Most major Manufacturers� handheld GPS units on the other hand have the ability to both display and export the raw GPS data and that is the key. We have to be able to get our hands on it in order to bring it in to WinTOTAL. Most of these devices even include a USB cable for synchronizing with your computer. Don�t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than find a way to make this work with all units including those $2,000 jobs in our cars but, at least right now, it�s out of our hands.

As for the handhelds, the intent is to focus on the big players such as Garmin and Magellan first. Not all devices in this category will work but I would like to be able to provide a list of those that we know will. We�re still testing but making good progress. I�ve seen the mock-ups and they look very good. Hopefully a pre-beta release that works with some of the more popular models is just around the corner.

Who knows where this will take us? There has been talk of integrating GPS data into the comps database and Virtual Earth mapping. It�s all very exciting but I remain focused on the basics and that, to me, is building an easy to use, intuitive tool for integrating raw GPS data into WinTOTAL�s Map Wizard.

As always, your thoughts and feedback are always welcomed and encouraged. Please let me know what you think by writing to jeff@alamodelabs.com.